Six years ago, on October 12, 2000, al Qaida attacked the USS Cole, a
U.S. Navy warship refueling in Aden harbor in Yemen. This terrorist
attack killed seventeen sailors and injured many others, leaving the
victims' loved ones and our Nation to mourn our collective loss.

On the sixth anniversary of this attack, we pause to remember those
brave servicemen and women whose lives were cut short by this act of
terrorism and to give thanks to the brave crew whose heroic actions
saved their ship and fellow shipmates.

With the men we believe to be the key architects of that attack now in
custody, this anniversary should serve to renew America's dedication to
bring terrorists to justice and our gratitude to those men and women of
the U.S. Government serving abroad who take great risks in protecting
America.

Six years ago, our Nation was tested by terrorism. Terrorists continue
to be an active threat to our Nation, but we are responding resolutely
and forcefully. On this solemn anniversary, we rededicate ourselves to
the fight against the enemies of humanity, offer our prayers and
condolences to the families of the Cole victims, and offer thanks to the
men and women of our Navy who protect our country and promote peace and
freedom around the world.